Wednesday, 23rd October 2024
Andre Pizzuto, President Kamra tal-Periti,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
After a five-year absence, il-Kamra tal-Periti is again relaunching its awards platform, The Premju Emanuele Luigi Galizia from hereon after referred to as Premju Galizia.
Emanuele Luigi Galizia dedicated 42 years of his life to public service; He designed and supervised works which have acquired national importance, landmarks in the evolvement of the Maltese architectural context: I am referring particularly to the Addolorata Cemetery and Lourdes Chapel in Mgarr Gozo, built in the Neo-Gothic style. He was also the architect for the Ottoman Cemetery and the Moorish Houses in Rudolph Street Sliema.
These incursions by Galizia into styles radically different from the style of buildings prevailing during his lifetime are evidence of his innate ability to embrace diversity in design; to depart from everyday norms. This signals a characteristic, which should be ever present in the architectural profession; namely a creative and innovative streak which is at the root of the evolution and development of all professions but more so in the architectural profession.
Galizia was also a civil engineer who oversaw the formation of new roads, the construction of fountains, and in his lifetime, was recognised as a pioneer of developments related to the architectural professions and the construction industry. Galizia is considered by many as the fore father of the modern ‘Perit’, and giving his name to these awards is indicative of the aims and practices the Kamra tal-Periti strives to foster as evidenced by the initiation of these awards.
The needs, requirements and aspirations of present-day society are different in many ways, from the prevailing atmospheres and situations in Galizia’s lifetime.
New techniques and materials are being utilised in construction. The side effects of industrial and technological developments have impacted the earth’s physical environment, transcending national frontiers, even posing threats to the life and health of humankind and nature itself, even distrubing nature’s rhythm and cycles.
Within the confines of our small nation state, economic development has created the need for new structures; hotels and catering establishments as a result of the tourist industry, office blocks to house the workers employed in the financial and gaming industries, and new residential units, not only for the Maltese, but also for the rental market with the increased demand generated by the influx of foreign workers needed to supplement the numbers of local workers.
Progress has its side effects; it has necessitated looking at situations from new angles, finding solutions so that people’s lives are not negatively affected.
It is simplistic to look at structures only from the aesthetic point of view. The approach has to be holistic. This is very important, especially since surroundings affect even the mental health of human beings. This acquires added importance in the restricted space of our national borders.
Today’s expected standards necessitate that all professions and industries work in tandem. Apart from this also the regulatory framework of professions has to cater for changed and changing scenarios.
In this regard, the input by the Kamra tal-Periti has been forward looking, and cooperation with the Administration regarding rules and regulations has to be ongoing.
The Chamber’s efforts to maintain discipline has contributed in no small way to administrative efforts to shore up accountability and commitment; especially after the spate of tragic happenings associated with the construction industry. However, it is not enough to have regulations on paper. These regulations only come to life and are of benefit to the community if they are respected, upheld, and enforced.
There is no room for “cowboys” in any profession; particularly not in this profession, where a derogation from accepted standards can result in loss of life and limb.
We in Malta have a perennial duty to safeguard and protect our historical and architectural heritage. Stakeholders, non-governmental organisations and the government should take note and work towards the best interest and protection of our tangible heritage.
This necessitates a holistic approach, taking in and integrating the old with the new, and incorporating new concepts of maximum utilisation of natural assets, not least natural light with a view to limiting energy consumption.
The establishment of the National Building Council, which is a joint initiative by the Kamra tal-Periti and the Malta Development Association, is a step in the right direction to ensure that the objective of fair and sustainable development across the islands is met. The joining of forces between architects and developers should augur well for the identification and subsequent tackling of challenges that the development market faces at present and may face in the future. It can also be seen as a concrete way to instil the need for positive change in the mindset of those operating in the development industry.
The Kamra tal-Periti has proved itself a guiding beacon in the development of high standards for the architectural profession, and these awards illustrate this in a very tangible way. Thanks to all for their contribution and congratulations to the participants and particularly to the winners of the various categories.